Meningitis Outbreak Caused by Contaminated Steroid Injections

Our Philadelphia and New Jersey medical malpractice attorneys closely monitored recent headlines after a fungal meningitis outbreak resulted in more than 170 reports of illness and 14 deaths across the country. The outbreak was caused by a contaminated steroid injection manufactured by the New England Compounding Center (N.E.C.C.), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The steroid is primarily used to alleviate back pain.

The N.E.C.C. initially distributed more than 17,700 single-dose vials of the contaminated steroid to 76 clinics in 23 states including Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It is estimated that approximately 14,000 people have been exposed to the contaminated steroid.

The N.E.C.C. initiated a voluntary recall of the contaminated steroid as well as all other products manufactured at their Framingham, Mass. plant.

Fungal Meningitis Symptoms

Meningitis is a potentially fatal condition caused by an inflammation of the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord. Fungal meningitis, which is a very rare form of the condition, has been linked to the contaminated steroid injections. It is not contagious.

While most of these steroid injections have been used to address back pain, some have also been administered to regions of the body such as the knees and ankles. It is unclear whether the injection location impacts your risk of developing fungal meningitis.

Symptoms of fungal meningitis include:

Neck stiffness

Fever

Severe headaches

Light sensitivity

Seizures

Photophobia

Nausea

Vomiting

Dizziness

It takes anywhere between one and four weeks for symptoms to develop, so it is likely that more meningitis cases stemming from this steroid contamination incident will surface.

If you begin experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact your doctor immediately. Make sure to tell your doctor that the source of your meningitis may be fungal as fungal meningitis is treated with anti-fungal agents instead of antibiotics.

Wapner, Newman, Wigrizer, Brecher & Miller Can Help

Our Pennsylvania and New Jersey meningitis attorneys have been fighting for the rights of pharmaceutical injury victims for more than 30 years. Our product liability lawyers also have the experience and resources necessary to battle the high-powered attorneys employed by pharmaceutical companies.